INCENSED villagers have formed a group to protest at plans to build 155 homes at St Ann's Chapel.

The St Ann's Chapel Citizens' Group on Development met at the Queen's Head in Albaston on April 3 to discuss the application by Pillar Land Securities to add 20 affordable houses to a scheme for 135 houses, originally approved in 1977.

They also presented a petition and letters of objection to the county council offices at Liskeard last week.

There have already been concerns expressed locally that although the development may have been sustainable in 1977 as a stand-alone application, more than 100 houses have been built in the area since then and the school and surgery were oversubscribed, there was no employment and only one shop.

Group member Nigel Miles said the aim was 'to overturn an anachronistic development decision originally made in the 1970s, which is now in direct contradiction to the values and relevant schedules within the Sustainable Communities Act and its direct relationship for the needs of our community in the 21st century'.

Mr Miles said development ideas had moved on, but many developers could not adjust to the reality of fundamental changes affecting society as a whole, and local communities specifically.

'The Citizens' Group was incensed at the fait accompli attitude that both the developers and local councillors took on this particular development issue,' he said.

He added that there had been 'a lack of democratic interest in providing information for their constituents' by local councillors on 'development projects which could wreak havoc into the life of their families and community by outsiders whose sole reason for the development was material and financial gain'.

Mr Miles said: 'The councillors should be censored for their lack of concern for their inactions.'

He said there had also been a lack of information on the Cornwall County Council website.

Tim Buchanan was also at the meeting, and said residents were concerned at the short notice given to local residents of the planning application.

'We only found out ten days before the closing date for public comments,' he said.

'While the application has been around for 30 years, permission being renewed every five, now the new unified county council is up and running it might go through unopposed.

'We wanted to raise the matter locally and let councillors know of our concern.'

He said residents had written letters and emails to Cornwall Council and a petition had been circulated, although they had only had two days to get signatures.

A small delegation went to the planning office in Liskeard last Thursday to present Sue Walters, the head of service development control for the area, and Cllr Bernie Ellis with the petition and letters of objection.

April 9 was the last day for members of the public to comment on the plans.

Because the application is seen as a departure from the local plan, as the provision for affordable housing is below the current adopted and recommended policies, it will go to Government Office South West for final determination following support from the former Caradon planners.

A spokesman for the developers has said the company had submitted the new application to make the site 'more sustainable', in terms of providing affordable housing and contribution to play areas, highways works and better drainage.